Togwotee Pass

The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 8,500 feet. In the higher exposed terrain, pockets of wind slab up to a foot deep sit on older hard slabs to three feet deep that rest upon hard crusts. These pockets of wind slab and deeper hard slabs could be triggered by humans, especially those on snowmachines, who venture into steep, avalanche starting zones, cliff areas or terrain traps. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,500 feet where the snowpack is mostly stable and the general avalanche hazard is LOW.

( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snowfall will increase Saturday night into Sunday morning with 5 to 10 inches of new snow before the system exits the region late Sunday. Winds at 10,500 feet will be 15 to 20 miles per hour from the west to northwest. Mountain temperatures will be near 10 degrees Sunday morning then warm to the mid teens.The general avalanche hazard is expected to increase some but remain in the Moderate area from 8,500 feet to 10,500 feet. Areas with locally heavier snowfall and/or stronger winds could have an increased hazard due to developing soft surface slabs. There remains a chance of triggering deeper, older slabs to two feet in depth. These deeper slabs may be more difficult to trigger. Starting deeper avalanches may require groups on a slope or high marking attempts on a snow machine.